Women who make a difference award 2009
An award which was launched to recognise the contribution women make to the communities in which they live and work is celebrating its 10th year.
More than 40 nominations have been received by Bristol Women’s Forum for the 2009 Women Who Make a Difference Award which this year also celebrates International Women’s Day. The number of names put forward have increased steadily since the award was launched in 1999.
Nominations are from a wide cross-section of women living across all areas of the city, encompassing a wide range of age groups and cultures.
Some have been nominated for their volunteer work with the Single Parent Action Network; others for their inspiration to others as well as women working as environment champions to improve the quality of life for local people; voluntary work with The Knowle West Domestic Abuse Project; The Terrence Higgins Trust (West) (supports people living with HIV or AIDs) and voluntary work with the Bristol Fawcett Society (a campaign for equality between women and men in the UK on pay, pension, poverty, justice and politics).
Councillor Peter Hammond (above), Deputy Leader and Executive lead on equalities, said: “The awards have proved a great success since they were launched 10 years ago with this year’s event attracting more nominations than ever.
“The contribution of women to the life of the city, economically; socially; environmentally; culturally; politically; financially, is massive and it is right that we celebrate this and acknowledge the daily work that if often unheralded.”
Margaret Gray, Co-Chair of the Bristol Woman’s Forum, said: “Many of the people who have submitted nominations have stated how their ‘women who make a difference’ have supported them – and others – and are very positive role models in their communities.”
The event is being held on Wednesday, March 4 at the Council House, College Green, from noon until 2pm, and the awards will be presented by Jan Ormondroyd, Chief Executive of Bristol City Council. Also speaking at the event will be Kalsoom Bashir, Prevent Officer, with the Community Cohesion team at Bristol City Council.
Members of the public wanting further information can contact the Equalities Team by e-mail equalities.team@bristol.gov.uk, or by telephoning 0117 9222329.
